FAQ on Meditation 013

Why can't I keep my mind still during meditation?

There are five hindrances to meditation;

1. the first one is being attached to sensual pleasure;

2. the second one is anger (hatred);

3. the third one is sleepiness;

4. the fourth one is the wandering of one's attention from one idea to another. Being concerned with too many things, you cannot keep your mind on meditation;

5. the fifth one is having a doubtful mind all the time.

We can correct these hindrances by using a proper technique of meditation. We should understand more of the nature of life, and find an appropriate attitude to these hindrances. If we can achieve this it will make the mind much calmer and render meditation easier. If you are trapped by any of these hindrances you should be aware of them and try the following ãremediesä by meditating further;

1. To be free of attachment to sensual-pleasures you should make sure you are not sitting too comfortably;

2. To be free of anger you should practise the cultivation of loving-kindness;

3. If you experience drowsiness or sleepiness, you should just sit erect, take a deep breath, re-adjust your body, relax more and repeat the mantra at a faster rate.

4. If you get trapped in different sorts of ideas, you should concentrate more at the centre of the body, using the mantra;

5. To get rid of doubt you must study the techique of meditation very well, or have a good friend with whom you can consult.